companionship and even a great feeling of accomplishment for both you and your pet.
To get the greatest rewards for the two of you from this experience you will need to help your dog become trained and well socialized so you can both be confident and comfortable in any setting.
Living by the rules of human society is not a natural thing for a dog. No matter how much he wants to please, he simply doesn't know what's required. This is confusing and often scary for him. He needs a basic framework to help him fit in as a welcome member of your family and the larger society. You need to feel confident that he will behave in the way you've trained him in virtually all circumstances.
When you've achieved a level of confidence
in basic obedience training you can both relax and enjoy your time together.
The essential behaviors like walking on a leash, staying, coming when called and house training are the foundation to start out with as you build your obedience training. It will be fun for both of you if you keep in mind the principles of patience and positivity.
*Never ask your dog to do something he can evade. Early over use of commands and rebukes will only frustrate your pet and set back your training. In the first stages of training respect his behavior. Be firm and consistent, but don't frighten him. Remember, you're both new to this.
*Don't punish your dog during training. Use positive reinforcement instead scolding at this stage. A negative attitude now will be hard to overcome as you continue with your training. Remember, obedience training is ongoing. It takes time and trust between you and your dog.
*Make lavish use of praise and reward. If your dog enjoys the work he's likely to learn more and faster. This is a serious point that you need to follow at all times. Remember that a reward can be anything from a verbal acknowledgment to a treat or a pat on the head.
*Don't punish but DO penalize your dog. This penalty can be whatever he doesn't like from a sharp tug on the leash to a stern word. Just ignoring him is often enough. Never hit him.
*You will be using a special collar for training. Always remove the training collar when you're not actively training. The regular buckle collar with the tags should be replaced when your training session is finished. NEVER tie the dog with the training collar.
Click on the box below to see: "The Top Dog Training Guide"
To bring all this together you need to be well acquainted with your dog. Learn what he likes the most and what really turns him off. If you're new to one another spend a little time just getting to know him first. Have a clear understanding of exactly what you want to teach and exactly what he's capable of learning. It's an ongoing process so don't go at it like boot camp. Five to ten minutes a few days a week are enough at this stage.
As the training goes forward you'll be able to stop destructive behaviors and help your dog become a reliable companion for you in any situation. In addition, he'll be a lot more comfortable when he understands what's expected of him. Make it an experience you both can enjoy.
